London's Leicester Square has welcomed a new permanent resident as Bridget Jones joins the prestigious lineup of legendary film characters immortalized in bronze. The beloved British literary and cinematic figure now stands proudly among other icons like Mary Poppins and Harry Potter with her own statue.
Star-Studded Unveiling Ceremony
Oscar-winning actress Renee Zellweger, who brought Bridget Jones to life in all four films, attended Monday's special unveiling ceremony. This significant event marks exactly 25 years since the release of the first movie, 'Bridget Jones's Diary' in 2001.
Expressing her surprise and delight, Zellweger told Reuters: "It's pretty crazy. It's kind of strange. It's not something you ever expect - it's quite a surprise." The actress warmly approved of the statue's design, noting "I mean, she's adorable... she's really cute. Looks like Bridget to me."
The Iconic Statue Design
The carefully crafted statue captures Bridget Jones in her most recognizable form. The bronze figure depicts the character with her hair tied back, wearing a mini skirt, and holding the essential tools of her trade - a pen and her famous diary. This representation perfectly embodies the spirit of the character that has captivated audiences for decades.
Enduring Legacy of Bridget Jones
Author Helen Fielding first created Bridget Jones more than 30 years ago for a newspaper column that explored the character's romantic adventures and personal struggles. The character's journey began with her first book publication in 1996, followed by three successful sequels that continued to charm readers worldwide.
The film franchise launched in 2001 with 'Bridget Jones's Diary', featuring Zellweger alongside British heartthrobs Hugh Grant and Colin Firth. The series continued with 'Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason' in 2004, 'Bridget Jones's Baby' in 2016, and the upcoming 'Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy' scheduled for 2025.
Reflecting on the character's timeless appeal, Fielding shared a touching observation: "My daughter's generation now likes Bridget, and that means a huge amount to me." This cross-generational admiration demonstrates the enduring relevance of the character created over three decades ago.
Scenes in the Square Trail
The Bridget Jones statue forms part of the popular Scenes in the Square trail in Leicester Square, which originally launched in 2020. This walking tour features sculptures of various cinematic legends including comedy duo Laurel and Hardy, the Dark Knight Batman, and numerous other film icons that have left their mark on popular culture.
This permanent addition to London's cultural landscape ensures that Bridget Jones will continue to inspire and entertain visitors from around the world, just as she has done through books and films for the past quarter-century.
